How about using synthetic oil

[75Carrera]

If engine wear from friction and/or heat are the most degenerating to your motor then using synthetic motor oil seems a no brainer. I've heard some talk about it being more leak prone but not really any other real negitives. Any comments or experiences with synthetic motor oil would be appreciated (+ or -)... Any thoughts about brand preferences?

[RickM]

Donny, welcome to the board.

[livi]

Welcome Donny,

I am just a newbie but here is my take on the issue.
I imagine cold starts are the most harm/minute time for the internals of the engine (I am note racing). Living in a rather cold climate in Sweden I run with Mobil 1 0w40 in my `85 Carrera. Got 87 k on an engine never opened.

No leaks and just the ordinary short upstart smoke. Very modest oil consumption too.

[75Carrera]

Markus,

Thanks. I've had several Porsches and a few exotics. I''ve always run with Valvoline in grades consistant with the climate I was in. I've also destroyed a few motors (74-75 2.7's). I'm just now installing a fresh 3.2 that I'm asured is nearly bulletproof. BUT.. I wonder if synthetic's bring any added protection or preformance. It seems now would be the time to go with it if it is truley an asset to engine life.
Off the subject:
How's the driving in Sweden? How are your highways and byways? Any pictures.

[carnutzzz]

Welcome-

Try searching as this topic has been covered many times.

Enjoy!

[DG624]

I have been using synthetic started with Mobil 20-50 and then switched to Redline 10-40. Have not seen leaking on an engine with over 100,000. I had an initial leak fixed for the oil line, valve covers but have not seen much since. I also changed to the reusable valve cover gaskets that are supposed to seal better.

I have not had any touble with the lighter oil either. I still see about 200F and am getting better mileage. There is no reason to use the cheap stuff when you can go longer without oil changes 12-15,000 (change the filter every 3-4,000). I have also thought about going to AMSOIL. They have a good site that claims much less wear for their oil compared to Mobil 1.

[livi]

Donny,
As Vic Elford described driving the winter rallies in Sweden with Bjorn Waldegard where some of the most taxing races in his career. But seriously, with have like Germany a very nice network of highways across the country with quite lenient traffic control unless driving like an idiot. We have lots and lots of winding roads just made for driving sports cars and rather scares traffic.

Only thing to complain about would be the whether at least wintertime with an abundance of salt and generally ugly driving conditions. But then again, I guess thats what good old Vic was talking about...

[75Carrera]

Markus,
The driving in that area sounds enviable. Here in Northern Arizona the conditions are excellent most of the year except about 7000 ft. Too bad we don'tl have the oppiortunity to drive in various parts of the world. Take care.

Tack

[Carl83911]

Welcome Danny,

I recently changed over to Mobile 1 Super syn. I've logged in approximately 1200 miles since. No leaks so far.

My concerns before were possible occurrance of leaks where none before with dino oil.

I can only give you a thumbs up for synthetics since I haven't experienced any of the leak occurrances mentioned by others.

My gas mileage improved about 2 mpg and my car seems more responsive. Engine sounds better, smoother.

I had 93k on the odo.

[ZOA NOM]

My understanding is that the problems you will see with synthetic oil in a higher mileage motor are increased slop in all the moving parts that were held tighter by the larger molecules of the dino oil. You may, or may not experience visible leaks, but the engine WILL wear faster inside as a result of the slop. My mechanic won't let me near the stuff. I'm at 170k and tight as a drum.

My $.02

[75Carrera]

Zoanas,

Thank you, that makes perfect sense to me. My 3.2 is going in fresh and hopefully tight. My guy is all for it. I'm leaning that way now myself. This site is very cool. I've wanted somewhere to goi with my P-mobile management questions.

Buy the way that's the only kind of "rack" that looks good (make that great) on a Porsche...

[Carl83911]

Originally posted by ZOANAS
My understanding is that the problems you will see with synthetic oil in a higher mileage motor are increased slop in all the moving parts that were held tighter by the larger molecules of the dino oil. You may, or may not experience visible leaks, but the engine WILL wear faster inside as a result of the slop. My mechanic won't let me near the stuff. I'm at 170k and tight as a drum.

My $.02

_______

Increased slop that were held by larger molecules of dino oil? I fail to see the logic in this. Wouldn't the small molecular properties of synthetic fill in for the vacating larger molecules of dino oil? With the superior lubricating properties of synthetic, I would think that it would be more beneficial for all moving parts.

The only thing I would worry about is the sludge that synthetic oils clean out (due to detergents in synthetics) from the seals which is the cause of leaks. If your seals are fairly new and tight, it is highly unlikely that there would be leaks.

[livi]

Here we go again...

[ZOA NOM]

"Increased slop that were held by larger molecules of dino oil? I fail to see the logic in this. Wouldn't the small molecular properties of synthetic fill in for the vacating larger molecules of dino oil? With the superior lubricating properties of synthetic, I would think that it would be more beneficial for all moving parts."


That's my understanding. Take it or leave it. My mechanic said "You can put synthetic oil in your car if you promise to bring it to me for the rebuild."

170,000+ and no signs of any problem. Just change your oil regularly, and enjoy your car.

[Carl83911]

[i]That's my understanding. Take it or leave it. Call me when your motor turns over 170k with no major work. [/B]

_________

Yeah I know, it's anyone's call. Believe me, I was very hesitant with the change over. But decided to do it. so far, no regrets.

[ZOA NOM]

Hey Carl, I just noticed you're in Sactown. You'll have to hook up with some of the Bay Area Pelicans for fun runs.

[donstevens]

We need a smiley that is opening a can of worms for this thread! Proverbial brand, can of worms. Can someone make one?

Zoanas, I love your avatar but what your mechanic told you makes no sense. Sadly there are many mechanics who may be great at wrenching but know very little about oil.

Synthetic oil is not magic, it is basic science. Old engines CAN leak but many do not. It varies form car to car.

75 Carerra, your fresh 3.2 will love it but it will run fine on regular oil too.

Don

[donstevens]

We need a smiley that is opening a can of worms for this thread! Proverbial brand, can of worms. Can someone make one?

Zoanas, I love your avatar but what your mechanic told you makes no sense. Sadly there are many mechanics who may be great at wrenching but know very little about oil. What is a "stop button" I want to see what happens.

Synthetic oil is not magic, it is basic science. Old engines CAN leak but many do not. It varies form car to car.

75 Carerra, your fresh 3.2 will love it but it will run fine on regular oil too.

Don

[ZOA NOM]

If you push the stop button at the right time, the censor strip will not be there. (Try ESC for non-IE browser)

As for the oil, it is his knowledge and experience with Porsche motors that I value. He has rebuilt enough motors that were switched to synthetic to know what he's talking about, and I trust him implicitly with my car.

[Carl83911]

Originally posted by ZOANAS
Hey Carl, I just noticed you're in Sactown. You'll have to hook up with some of the Bay Area Pelicans for fun runs.

___________

I would love to go on some fun runs. Several of us Sac P-owners had a great 4th of July weekend rund through the wine country and to Gualala, Anchorbay, up to Fort Bragg. That was a great weekend. Still waiting for my copies of pics taken on the trip.